Page 26 of Elysian

“I read Larien. The old language,” I said, attempting to ignore the pain of his hand clasping my face.

“There are only a few texts with the Saint’s language.” He spoke under his breath, raking both hands through his short brown hair. “Did you see the Lore of Old?”

“What is that?” I feigned ignorance.

“Yes or no, say it.” I flinched from his barked words. “You will not like the consequences.” He looked at Vera and Branwen huddled together. I gritted my teeth.

“No.”

Vaner turned to the same man he had before, the one from Southern Sycarious.

The man shook his head slightly and said, “False.”

Vaner turned back to me, and he was in my face, gripping my jaw tight. “Have you read the Lore of Old?” I reeled, attempting not to vomit. “Speak!” he bellowed in my face, spittle landing on my cheek.

“Yes,” I forced out.

“Truth.”

“Where is it?” Vaner seemed maddened.

“You believe I have it?” I forced innocence onto my features.

‘Cease taunting him.’

“Where do you have the Lore of Old?” he blurted feverishly.

His nostrils flared, and the pressure at my throat became close to excruciating, but I kept my expression blank.

“Give me a direct answer!” he shouted, hand lashing across my cheek.

“Vaner.” Cassiel’s tone held warning. Vaner shoved my face away and faced Cassiel.

“You no longer have any say!” Vaner slammed his palms on the table, rattling all the porcelain and glass. He turned back to me. I scrambled for a half-truth.

“I-I can read it. I’ve read only the first few passages.”

Silence fell over the banquet hall. Vaner’s chest heaved with harsh breaths. He seemed at last to feel the stares fixed on him, and the sneer became more pronounced. He turned back to me and hit me again, forcing me to stagger. The taste of copper exploded in my mouth when my tooth caught the inside of my lip. I straightened again, facing him. His palm flew across my cheek once again. Blood tickled from the corner of my mouth.

“How can you read it?” Vaner glared, fury mounting.

Cassiel’s snarl reached through my muffled hearing. ‘Tell him,’ Cassiel begged.

“The prophet said.” I pressed my shaking hand to my neck. “That the Sigil made it possible.” Made it possible for me to read Larien, and for me to find the Lore of Old, but I would not tell him everything.

He released me, and I staggered back with his slight shove.

“Lord Dillon, did you know of this?”

“Absolutely not, Vaner,” Lord Dillon scoffed. He then grabbed the back of his wife’s neck. “What have you hidden from us?” He shook her while she remained still in terror.

“I-I do not know what you mean.”

Lord Dillon shoved her, and she landed on her knees with a scream.

“My lord!” Drusilla cried out.

The avarice curling Vaner’s mouth faded, and an inch of reason came forth. He straightened and smoothed his hands down his tunic while scanning the hall. Egan’s mouth remained tight, and he avoided my eyes.